The effect of ylang oil and lemon oil inhalation on labor pain and anxiety pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: and purpose: To date, there has been very limited experimental research on the impact of ylang ylang oil and lemon oil inhalation labor pain. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of aromatherapy, one of the non-pharmacological pain methods, on anxiety and labor pain in the active phase in primiparous pregnant women. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial design was used in the study, which was conducted with 45 primiparous pregnant women. Volunteers were randomized into the lemon oil group (n = 15), ylang-ylang oil group (n = 15), and control group (n = 15) by using the sealed envelope method. The visual analog scale (VAS) and the state anxiety inventory were applied to the intervention and control groups before the application. After the application, the VAS and the state anxiety inventory were applied at 5-7 cm dilatation and the VAS was applied alone at 8-10 cm dilatation. The trait anxiety inventory was applied to the volunteers after delivery. RESULTS: The mean pain scores at 5-7 cm dilatation in the intervention groups (lemon oil 6.90, ylang ylang oil, 7.30) were significantly lower than in the control group (9.20) (p = 0.005). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of their mean pre-intervention and 5-7-cm-dilatation anxiety scores (p = 0.750; p = 0.663), mean trait anxiety scores (p = 0.094), and mean first-and fifth-minute Apgar scores (p = 0.051; p = 0.051). CONCLUSION: It was found that aromatherapy applied by inhalation at labor reduced the perception of labor pain but had no effect on anxiety.

Determining the effect of inhalation and lavender essential oil massage therapy on the severity of perceived labor pain in primiparous women: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This research aimed to reveal the effect of lavender essence inhalation and the massage therapy applied with lavender oil on the severity of labor pain of primiparous women. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted with three groups. Pregnant women participating in the study were randomly divided into control group (n=40), lavender essence inhalation group (n=44) and lavender essence massage (n=37) groups. The applications were divided in three for each phase in the first stage of labor (early, active and transition). Thereafter sacral compression and circular massage were applied for 15 minutes on the lower back (waist) region of the participants by using 2 drops of lavender oil in each phase of labor; 2 drops of lavender oil were dripped onto the palms of the participants in the inhalation group by the researcher and they were asked to inhale it for 3 minutes. Research data were collected using Personal Information Form (PIF), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Postpartum Assessment of Women Survey (PAWS). RESULTS: The results of the research revealed that the labor pain perceived by the women who were applied inhalation and massage therapy using lavender essential oil were milder compared to the control group (p<0.05). Another finding of the research revealed that the lavender oil inhalation gave the best results in the latent phase, however the massage therapy with lavender oil was more effective in the active and transition phases. CONCLUSION: Inhalation and massage therapy applied using lavender essential oil contributed to the alleviation of perceived labor pain. For this reason, massage therapy and inhalation applications using lavender oil are recommended to be applied by midwives as a complementary method to adapt to labor pain during delivery.

Effects of labour analgesia with different concentrations of ropivacaine on maternal body temperature and inflammatory factor: A randomised controlled study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of different concentrations of ropivacaine on maternal temperature and inflammatory factors during epidural analgesia. METHOD: One hundred and forty healthy term nulliparas were randomly assigned to receive epidural analgesia with either 0.1% ropivacaine (group H) or 0.068% ropivacaine (group L). Epidural sufentanil 0.3 µg/mL was added in both groups. Maternal tympanic temperature was measured at initiation of epidural analgesia (baseline temperature) and each hour thereafter. Maternal blood samples were taken at the time of epidural placement and 4 hours after analgesia to detect IL-6 and IL-1ß serum concentrations. Visual analog scale pain scores, labour events and neonatal outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Epidural analgesia using 0.1% or 0.068% ropivacaine both achieved satisfactory pain relief. Increases in maternal body temperature and in IL-6 levels were observed in both groups, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. The incidence of maternal fever was similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Maternal body temperature and serum inflammatory factors are similarly affected by 0.1% or 0.068% ropivacaine used during epidural analgesia use for labour pain relief.

A comparison of two versus four sterile water injections for the relief of back pain in labour: A multicentre randomised equivalence trial.

BACKGROUND: Recent trials demonstrated the safety and efficacy of sterile water injections to provide relief from labour back pain. While four injections is the most common approach variations in technique, such as employing two injections, are also used. AIM: To determine if the analgesic effect of two sterile water injections is clinically equivalent to four. METHODS: 238 women in labour with a Visual Analogue Scale pain score (VAS) of 70 millimetres (mm) (0 = no pain; 100 = worst pain imaginable) were randomised to two or four sterile water injections. The primary outcome was pain measured on a VAS at 30 min post treatment. A priori margin of equivalence was set at ±10 mm. Secondary outcomes included the likelihood of achieving an at least 30% and 50% reduction in pain, birth and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: At 30 min post-injection the difference in VAS scores between the techniques was -5.97 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] -13.18-1.22). As the lower end of the CI exceeds the margin of -10 mm equivalence was not demonstrated. Both techniques achieved an at least 30% reduction in pain in over 75% of participants though duration of effect was longer in the four injection group. There was no difference in other birth related secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: Four injections provided a margin of benefit over two injections in level and duration of analgesia. DISCUSSION: Four injections remains the technique of choice though two injections still provided significant pain relief and would be suitable where it was not possible or desirable to provide four.

Tecnologias não invasivas para o alívio da dor na parturição / Non-invasive technologies for pain relief in parturition / Tecnologías no invasivas para el alivio del dolor durante en el parto

Objetivo: Analisar as tecnologias não invasivas de alívio da dor no parto e nascimento. Método: Revisão integrativa de literatura, com 13 artigos obtidos nas bases de dados Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, SciVerse Scopus TopCited, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online e a biblioteca virtual Scientific Electronic Library Online entre o período de 2010 a 2016. Resultados: Observou o uso de mais de duas tecnologias não farmacológicas no processo de parto e nascimento, como aromaterapia isolada ou somada a mais uma tecnologia; aplicação isolada de frio e/ou calor; uso da bola suíça/bola de parto. Conclusão: A utilização de novas tecnologias no processo parturitivo resgata a autonomia da mulher frente ao seu corpo

Objective: To analyze the non-invasive technologies of pain relief in labor and birth. Method: Integrative literature review, with 13 articles from the Web of Science database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences, SciVerse Scopus TopCited, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, and the library Scientific Electronic Library Online between 2010 and 2016. Results: Observed the use of more than two non-pharmacological technologies in the delivery and birth process, such as aromatherapy alone or added to another technology; isolated application of cold and / or heat; use of the Swiss ball / birth ball. Conclusion: The use of new technologies in the parturition process rescues the autonomy of women in front of their bodies

Objetivo: Analizar tecnologías no invasivas de alivio del dolor en el parto y el nacimiento. Método: Revisión integrativa de literatura, con 13 artículos de las bases de datos de Web of Science, de Contenido etiquetado de la literatura y la literatura en América Latina y el Caribe, en Ciencias de la Salud, SciVse Scopus TopCited, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online y la biblioteca Scientific Electronic Library virtual en línea entre el periodo de 2010 a 2016. Resultados: Observó el uso de más de dos tecnologías no farmacológicas en el parto y el proceso de parto, como la aromaterapia sola o agregada a otra tecnología; aplicación aislada de frío y / o calor; uso de la bola suiza / bola de nacimiento. Conclusión: El uso de nuevas tecnologías en el proceso de parto rescata la autonomía de las mujeres frente a sus cuerpos

Analgesic Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Meperidine in Managing Postoperative or Labor Pain: A Narrative Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Meperidine, a synthetic opioid, has a rapid onset and short duration of action. Mounting evidence has challenged meperidine's analgesic benefits, and concerns have been raised about its safety profile. Despite recommendations to restrict the prescription of meperidine, the drug remains frequently used. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of meperidine for acute postoperative and labor pain. STUDY DESIGN: This was a narrative review of the analgesic efficacy and side effects of meperidine compared to other analgesic drugs for acute postoperative and labor pain in adults. SETTING: Randomized controlled trials that compared the analgesic efficacy and side effect profile of meperidine versus another analgesic drug in adult patients were evaluated. METHODS: A systemized search of randomized controlled trials studying meperidine for acute postoperative or labor pain in the adult patient population from PubMed, Medline, and EMBASE was performed. Included studies reported on different routes of meperidine administration including intramuscular, intravenous, and patient-controlled analgesia in various surgical procedures such as abdominal surgery, Cesarean section, gynecological surgery, orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, as well as for labor analgesia. Meperidine's analgesic efficacy and safety profile were compared to other opioids (morphine, tramadol, fentanyl, buprenorphine, nalbuphine, and pentazocine), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ketorolac, diclofenac, and indomethacin), dipyrone, ketamine, and bupivacaine. RESULTS: A total of 62 randomized controlled trials published between 1972 and 2018 were reviewed. Meperidine had a similar or inferior analgesic efficacy compared to other analgesics for acute postoperative or labor pain. Meperidine was associated with more sedation and respiratory depression. LIMITATIONS: The sample sizes of many clinical studies were small, and therefore probably insufficiently powered to detect differences in uncommon side effects, such as central nervous system toxicity. In addition, some of the included clinical studies were old. CONCLUSION: Considering the availability of other effective analgesics with potentially fewer side effects, the use of meperidine for acute postoperative or labor pain should not be recommended. KEY WORDS: Acute postoperative pain, adverse effects, labor analgesia, meperidine, pethidine.

Analgesia subaracnoidea en el trabajo de parto: bupivacaína/fentanilo vs. petidina / Subarachnoid analgesia in labor: bupivacaine/fentanyl vs pethidine

Introducción: La analgesia subaracnoidea es una alternativa para el trabajo de parto por su seguridad y adecuada relación riesgo/beneficio. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de la analgesia durante el trabajo de parto con la comparación de dos métodos analgésicos. Método: Se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental, longitudinal y prospectivo en 92 gestantes que se atendieron en el Hospital General Docente Abel Santamaría Cuadrado durante el período entre enero de 2014 y enero de 2017. Las pacientes se dividieron en dos grupos de 46 cada uno, al azar, por orden de llegada a la unidad quirúrgica. El grupo A, bupivacaína al 0,5 por ciento, en dosis de 2 mg y fentanilo en dosis de 25 mcg; y grupo B en el que se utilizó petidina en dosis de 25 mg, en todos los casos por vía intratecal. Las variables analizadas fueron: tensión arterial media, frecuencia cardíaca media, saturación parcial de oxígeno, tiempo de inicio de la analgesia, calidad analgésica, efectos adversos y nivel de satisfacción de las pacientes. Se empleó el análisis descriptivo y la diferencia de proporciones. Resultados: El grupo A mantuvo una TAM entre 84 y 88 mmHg, (Z= 6,0 significativa); FC media entre 80 y 88 lat/min, (Z= 1,94 no significativa); SpO2 con una media de 99,2 por ciento. En 46,74 por ciento (43 casos) el tiempo de inicio de la analgesia fue corto (Z= 8,47), siendo Buena en 100 por ciento de los casos (Z= 6,89 significativa), con recién nacido vigoroso en 100 por ciento (Z= 10,25 significativa). La evolución fue satisfactoria en 48,19 por ciento de las pacientes. Presentaron prurito 8,69 por ciento. En el grupo B hubo hipertensión arterial en 2,17 por ciento de los casos, con menos estabilidad de la FC, tiempos mayores de inicio de trabajo de parto en 12,96 por ciento y fue Buena en 40,22 por ciento. Estas pacientes mostraron menos satisfacción (41,30 por ciento). Conclusiones: La administración subaracnoidea de fentanilo/bupivacaína fue más efectiva que la petidina para la analgesia durante el trabajo de parto(AU)

Introduction: Subarachnoid analgesia is an alternative for labor due to its safety and suitable risk-benefit relationship. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of analgesia during labor with the comparison of two analgesic methods. Method: A quasiexperimental, longitudinal and prospective study was carried out in 92 pregnant women who attended Abel Santamaría Cuadrado General Teaching Hospital during the period between January 2014 and January 2017. The patients were divided into two groups of 46 each, randomly assigned, in order of arrival to the surgical unit. Group A was treated with intrathecal administration of bupivacaine 0.5 percent, in a dose of 2 mg, and fentanyl in a dose of 25 mcg; and group B was treated with intrathecal administration of pethidine, in a dose of 25 mg. The variables analyzed were mean arterial blood pressure, mean heart rate, partial oxygen saturation, time of onset of analgesia, analgesic quality, adverse effects and level of patient satisfaction. The descriptive analysis and the difference in proportions were used. Results: Group A maintained a mean arterial blood pressure between 84 and 88 mmHg, (Z=6.0 significant); heart rate averages between 80 and 88 beats per minute, (Z=1.94 not significant); partial oxygen saturation with an average of 99.2 percent. In 46.74 percent (43 cases) the time of onset of analgesia was short (Z=8.47), being good in 100 percent of the cases (Z=6.89 significant), with vigorous newborn in 100 percent (Z=10.25 significant). The evolution was satisfactory in 48.19 percent of the patients. They presented pruritus 8.69 percent. In group B, there was arterial hypertension in 2.17 percent of the cases, with less stability of the heart rate, greater times of labor beginning in 12.96 percent and it was good in 40.22 percent. These patients showed less satisfaction (41.30 percent). Conclusions: Subarachnoid administration of fentanyl/bupivacaine was more effective than pethidine for analgesia during labor(AU)

Rates of New Persistent Opioid Use After Vaginal or Cesarean Birth Among US Women.

Importance: Research has shown an association between opioid prescribing after major or minor procedures and new persistent opioid use. However, the association of opioid prescribing with persistent use among women after vaginal delivery or cesarean delivery is less clear. Objective: To assess the association between opioid prescribing administered for vaginal or cesarean delivery and rates of new persistent opioid use among women. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study used national insurance claims data for 988 036 women from a single private payer from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2016. Participants included reproductive age, opioid-naive women with 1 year of continuous enrollment before and after delivery. For participants with multiple births, only the first birth was included. Exposures: Peripartum opioid prescription (1 week before delivery to 3 days after discharge) captured by pharmacy claims, including prescription timing and size in oral morphine equivalents. Multivariable adjusted odds ratios were estimated using regression models. Main Outcomes and Measures: Rates of new persistent opioid use, defined as pharmacy claims for 1 or more opioid prescription 4 to 90 days after discharge and 1 or more prescription 91 to 365 days after discharge among women who filled peripartum opioid prescriptions. Results: In total, 308 226 deliveries were included: 195 013 (63.3%) vaginal deliveries and 113 213 (36.7%) cesarean deliveries. Participant mean (SD) age was 31.3 (5.3) years, and 70 567 (51.0%) were white patients. Peripartum opioid prescriptions were filled by 27.0% of women with vaginal deliveries and 75.7% of women with cesarean deliveries. Among them, 1.7% of those with vaginal deliveries and 2.2% with cesarean deliveries had new persistent opioid use. By contrast, among women not receiving a peripartum opioid prescription, 0.5% with vaginal delivery and 1.0% with cesarean delivery had new persistent opioid use. From 2008 to 2016, opioid prescription fills decreased for vaginal deliveries from 26.9% to 23.8% (P < .001) and for cesarean deliveries from 75.5% to 72.6% (P < .001), and fewer women had new persistent use (vaginal delivery, from 2.2% to 1.1%; P < .001; cesarean delivery, from 2.5% to 1.3%; P < .001). The strongest modifiable factor associated with new persistent opioid use after delivery was filling an opioid prescription before delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.05-1.87). For vaginal deliveries, receiving a prescription equal to or more than 225 oral morphine equivalents was associated with new persistent opioid use (adjusted odds ratio, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.06-1.48). Women who underwent cesarean delivery and had a hysterectomy were more likely to develop persistence (AOR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.33-5.70), although women who underwent a nonelective (AOR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.88-1.07) or repeat cesarean (AOR, 1.45; 95% CI, 0.93-2.28) were not more likely. For cesarean deliveries, risk factors were associated with patient attributes such as tobacco use (adjusted odds ratio, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.56-2.11), psychiatric diagnoses, history of substance use (adjusted odds ratio, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.10-1.86), and pain conditions. Conclusions and Relevance: The results of the present study suggested that opioid prescribing and new persistent use after vaginal delivery or cesarean delivery have decreased since 2008. However, modifiable prescribing patterns were associated with persistent opioid use for patients who underwent vaginal delivery, and risk factors following cesarean delivery mirrored those of other surgical conditions. Judicious opioid prescribing and preoperative risk screening may be opportunities to decrease new persistent opioid use after childbirth.

Neuraxial labor analgesia: a literature review / Analgesia de parto no neuroeixo: uma revisão da literatura

Abstract The use of analgesia techniques for labor has become increasingly frequent, with neuraxial techniques being the most commonly used and most effective. Labor pain entails a number of physiological consequences that may be negative for the mother and fetus, and therefore must be treated. This literature review was performed through a search in the PubMed database, from July to November 2016, and included articles in English or Portuguese, published between 2011 and 2016 or anteriorly, if relevant to the topic. The techniques were divided into the following topics: induction (epidural, combined epidural-spinal, continuous spinal, and epidural with dural puncture) and maintenance of analgesia (continuous epidural infusion, patient-controlled epidural analgesia, and intermittent epidural bolus). Epidural analgesia does not alter the incidence of cesarean sections or fetal prognosis, and maternal request is a sufficient indication for its initiation. The combined technique has the advantage of a faster onset of analgesia; however, patients are subject to a higher incidence of pruritus resulting from the intrathecal administration of opioids. Patient-controlled analgesia seems to be an excellent technique, reducing the consumption of local anesthetics, the number of anesthesiologist interventions, and increasing maternal satisfaction.

Resumo O uso de técnicas de analgesia para o trabalho de parto tem se tornado cada vez mais frequente. As técnicas neuroaxiais são as mais comumente usadas e de maior eficácia. A dor do trabalho de parto traz uma série de consequências fisiológicas que podem ser negativas para a mãe e para o feto, e por isso deve ser tratada. Esta revisão de literatura foi feita na base de dados PubMed, de julho a novembro de 2016, e foram incluídos artigos em inglês ou portuguê publicados entre 2011 e 2016, ou mais antigos que fossem relevantes ao tema. As técnicas foram divididas nos tópicos: indução (peridural, raquiperidural combinada, raquianestesia contínua e peridural com punção dural) e manutenção da analgesia (infusão peridural contínua, analgesia peridural controlada pela paciente e bolus peridural intermitente). A analgesia peridural não altera a incidência de cesarianas nem o prognóstico fetal, e o desejo materno é indicação suficiente para seu início. A técnica combinada apresenta como vantagem um início mais rápido da analgesia, entretanto as pacientes estão sujeitas a maior incidência de prurido decorrente da administração intratecal de opioides. A analgesia controlada pela paciente parece ser uma excelente técnica, diminui o consumo de anestésicos locais e o número de intervenções do anestesiologista e aumenta a satisfação materna.

Pethidine in low doses versus dipyrone for pain relief in labor: a randomized controlled trial / Petidina em doses baixas versus dipirona para alívio da dor no trabalho de parto: um ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract Objective To compare low doses of pethidine with dipyrone in labor analgesia. Methods In a randomized prospective study conducted by Universidade de Fortaleza, in the state of Ceará, Brazil, between May and December 2016, 200 full-term parturients, with very painful uterine contractions and exhibiting uterine cervix dilatation ≥ 5 cm, were selected to receive a single intravenous dose of either 0.25 mg/kg of pethidine (n = 100) or of 25 mg/kg of dipyrone (n = 100). Pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale. The data were analyzed using the Student t-test, the chi-square test and the likelihood ratio. Results There was a significant improvement in pain in 35% of the parturients. Both drugs presented a similar analgesic effect 1 hour after the intervention (p = 0.692). There was no analgesic effect during the evaluation of the second hour after the intervention with pethidine or dipyrone. There were no adverse effects, such as maternal drowsiness, nausea or vomiting, related to the drugs used. Conclusion Pethidine in low doses and dipyrone presented equivalent analgesia during labor. Public Registry of Clinical TrialsRBR-4hsyy4.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar doses baixas de petidina com dipirona na analgesia de parto. Métodos Em um estudo prospectivo randomizado realizado pela Universidade de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil, entre maio e dezembro de 2016, 200 parturientes a termo, com contrações uterinas muito dolorosas e apresentando dilatação do colo uterino ≥ 5 cm, foram selecionadas para receber dose única intravenosa de 0,25 mg/kg de petidina (n = 100) ou 25 mg/kg de dipirona (n = 100). A dor foi avaliada pela escala visual analógica. Os dados foram analisados por meio dos testes t de Student, qui-quadrado e razão de verossimilhança. Resultados Houve melhora significativa da dor em 35% das parturientes. Ambas as drogas apresentaram efeito analgésico semelhante 1 hora após a intervenção (p = 0.692). Inexistiu efeito analgésico durante a avaliação da segunda hora após a intervenção com a petidina ou com a dipirona. Não houve efeitos adversos, como sonolência, náuseas ou vômitos maternos, relacionados aos medicamentos utilizados. Conclusão A petidina em doses baixas e a dipirona apresentaram analgesia equivalente durante o trabalho de parto. Registro público de testes clínicosRBR-4hsyy4.

The Effect of Adding Subarachnoid Epinephrine to Hyperbaric Bupivacaine and Morphine for Repeat Cesarean Delivery: A Double-Blind Prospective Randomized Control Trial.

BACKGROUND: Spinal anesthesia has become the most common type of anesthetic for cesarean delivery. The major limitation to spinal anesthesia is that the duration of the anesthetic may not be adequate in the event of a prolonged surgery. Some practitioners add epinephrine to hyperbaric bupivacaine to increase the duration, although its effect has not been fully studied. We therefore aimed to evaluate whether adding epinephrine to the spinal medication prolongs the duration of action of the resultant block in women presenting for repeat cesarean delivery. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients were randomized to receive no epinephrine (NE group), epinephrine 100 µg (low-dose [LD] group), or epinephrine 200 µg (high-dose [HD] group) with a standardized spinal mixture (1.5 mL 0.75% hyperbaric bupivacaine with 0.25 mg morphine). Sixty-five patients were included for primary analysis. Our primary outcome was time to intraoperative activation of the epidural catheter or postoperative regression of sensory blockade to T-10 dermatome level as measured by pinprick sensation; motor recovery was a secondary outcome, and graded via a Modified Bromage scale. RESULTS: Block onset time, vital sign changes, and the incidence of hypotension; nausea, and vomiting were similar among groups. Median difference in time to T-10 regression was greatest in the HD group compared to the NE group (median difference [min] [95% confidence interval]: 40 [15-60]; P = .007), followed by the HD group to the LD group (30 [15-45]; P = .007). Comparisons of LD to NE were not significant, but trended to an increase in T-10 regression time (10 [-15 to 30]; P = .76). Median difference in time to knee extension (Bromage 3) was also greatest in the HD group when compared to both the LD and NE group (median difference [min] [95% confidence interval]: 30 [0-60]; P = .034, 60 [0-93]; P = .007). Median difference time to knee extension (min) between the LD and NE group was also significant (37.5 [15-60]; P = .001]. Pain scores during the procedure were higher in the NE group (median [interquartile range] HD: 0 [0-0], LD: 0 [0-0], NE: 0 [0-3]; P = .02) during uterine closure and were otherwise not significantly different from the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this single center, prospective, double-blind, randomized control trial, the addition of epinephrine 200 µg to hyperbaric bupivacaine and preservative-free morphine for repeat cesarean delivery prolonged the duration of the sensory blockade. Motor blockade was similarly prolonged and block quality may have been enhanced.

Is pethidine safe during labor? Systematic review / A petidina é segura durante o trabalho de parto? Revisão sistemática

Abstract Purpose To verify if pethidine is safe for the conceptus when used during labor. Methods Systematic review in the Capes Periodicals/PubMed and MEDLINE/Virtual Health Library (BVS, in the Portuguese acronym) databases. Results A total of 17 studies published from January 1st, 2000, to September 2nd, 2016, with a total of 1,688 participants involved were included in the present review. There was no record of conceptus vitality decrease associated with low doses of pethidine being administered to mothers during labor. Conclusions Intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) pethidine at low doses, of up to 50 mg, is safe to administer during labor.

Resumo Objetivo Verificar se a petidina é segura para o concepto quando utilizada durante o trabalho de parto. Método Revisão sistemática nas bases de dados dos Periódicos Capes/PubMed e MEDLINE/Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). Resultados Um total de 17 estudos, publicados de 1° de janeiro de 2000 a 2 de setembro de 2016, totalizando 1.688 participantes envolvidos, foram incluídos nesta revisão. Não houve registro de depressão na vitalidade dos conceptos comdoses baixas de petidina administradas às mães durante o trabalho de parto. Conclusão Petidina intramuscular (IM) ou intravenosa (IV) em baixas doses, de até 50 mg, é segura durante o trabalho de parto.

Effect of programmed intermittent epidural boluses and continuous epidural infusion on labor analgesia and obstetric outcomes: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Continuous epidural infusion and programmed intermittent epidural boluses are analgesic techniques routinely used for pain relief in laboring women. We aimed to assess both techniques and compare them with respect to labor analgesia and obstetric outcomes. METHODS: After Institutional Review Board approval, 132 laboring women aged between 18 and 45 years were randomized to epidural analgesia of 10 mL of a mixture of 0.1% bupivacaine plus 2 µg/mL of fentanyl either by programmed intermittent boluses or continuous infusion (66 per group). Primary outcome was quality of analgesia. Secondary outcomes were duration of labor, total drug dose used, maternal satisfaction, sensory level, motor block level, presence of unilateral motor block, hemodynamics, side effects, mode of delivery, and newborn outcome. RESULTS: Patients in the programmed intermittent epidural boluses group received statistically less drug dose than those with continuous epidural infusion (24.9 vs 34.4 mL bupivacaine; P = 0.01). There was no difference between groups regarding pain control, characteristics of block, hemodynamics, side effects, and Apgar scores. CONCLUSIONS: Our study evidenced a lower anesthetic consumption in the programmed intermittent boluses group with similar labor analgesic control, and obstetric and newborn outcomes in both groups.

'Tough love': The experiences of midwives giving women sterile water injections for the relief of back pain in labour.

OBJECTIVE: To explore midwives' experiences of administering sterile water injections (SWI) to labouring women as analgesia for back pain in labour. DESIGN: A qualitative study, which generated data through semi-structured focus group interviews with midwives. Data were analysed thematically. SETTING: Two metropolitan maternity units in Queensland, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Eleven midwives who had administered SWI for back pain in labour in a randomised controlled trial. FINDINGS: Three major themes were identified including: i. SWI, is it an intervention?; ii. Tough love, causing pain to relieve pain; iii. The analgesic effect of SWI and impact on midwifery practice. KEY CONCLUSIONS: Whilst acknowledging the potential benefits of SWI as an analgesic the midwives in this study described a dilemma between inflicting pain to relieve pain and the challenges encountered in their discussions with women when offering SWI. Midwives also faced conflict when women requested SWI in the face of institutional resistance to its use. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The procedural pain associated with SWI may discourage some midwives from offering women the procedure, providing women with accurate information regarding the intensity and the brevity of the injection pain and the expected degree of analgesic would assist in discussion about SWI with women.

Manejo de la analgesia en el parto / Management of analgesia in childbirth

Esta guía contiene definiciones y etapas del trabajo de parto, aunque no hay un patrón estándar. El trabajo puede dividirse en tres estadios, 1ro trabajo de parto dilataciòn, 2do dilataciòn cervical completa, 3ro nacimiento neonato. la analgesia epidural sus ventajas, alivio completo, menor riesgo, menos riesgo depresión en el feto, menor riesgo depresión de las fuerzas del parto. Indicaciones medicas; Pre eclampsia, afecciones cardiacas, afeciones respiratorias, enfermedades neurológicas crónicas, epilepsia. Contraindicaciones; Rechazo por la paciente, control inadecuado del feto, terapia anticougulante. espina bifida.

Performance of the Angle Labor Pain Questionnaire During Initiation of Epidural Analgesia in Early Active Labor.

BACKGROUND: The Angle Labor Pain Questionnaire (A-LPQ) is a new, 22-item multidimensional psychometric questionnaire that measures the 5 most important dimensions of women's childbirth pain experiences using 5 subscales: The Enormity of the Pain, Fear/Anxiety, Uterine Contraction Pain, Birthing Pain, and Back Pain/Long Haul. Previous work showed that the A-LPQ has overall good psychometric properties and performance during early active labor in women without pain relief. The current study assessed the tool's sensitivity to change during initiation of labor epidural analgesia with the standardized response mean (SRM, primary outcome). METHODS: Two versions of the A-LPQ were administered once, in each of 2 test sessions, by the same trained interviewer during early active labor. The sequence of administration was randomized (ie, standard question order version [Test 1] followed by mixed version [Test 2] or vice versa). Test 1 was completed before epidural insertion; Test 2 commenced 20 to 30 minutes after the test dose. Providers assessed/treated pain independently of the study. Sensitivity to change was assessed using SRMs, Cohen's d, and paired t tests. Overall pain intensity was concurrently examined using Numeric Rating Scale and the Verbal Rating Scale (VRS); coping was assessed with the Pain Mastery Scale. Changes in pain were measured with the Patient Global Impression of Change Scale. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's α. Concurrent validity with other tools was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS: A total of 51 complete datasets were analyzed. Most women reported moderate (63%, 32/51) or severe (18%, 9/51) baseline pain on VRS scores during Test 1; 29% (15/51) reported mild pain, and 6% (3/51) reported moderate pain during Test 2. Approximately 90% (46/51) of women reported much or very much improved pain at the end of testing. Cronbach's α for A-LPQ summary scores was excellent (0.94) and ranged from 0.78 (acceptable) to 0.92 (excellent) for subscales (Test 1). Large SRMs were found for A-LPQ summary scores (1.6, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.1) and all subscales except the Birthing Pain subscale (moderate, 0.60, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.97). Significant (P < .001) differences were found between A-LPQ summary scores and between all subscales on paired t tests. Correlations between A-LPQ summary and Numeric Rating Scale scores (overall pain intensity) were strong (ρ > 0.73), correlations were moderate (ρ > 0.5) with VRS scores and coping scores (ρ > 0.67). CONCLUSIONS: Findings support A-LPQ use for measurement of women's childbirth pain experiences during initiation of labor epidural analgesia during early active labor. Combined with our previous work, they also support the use of the A-LPQ in late labor and at delivery.

The analgesic efficacy of remifentanil for labour. Systematic review of the recent literature.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although epidural analgesia is still regarded as the gold standard for labour analgesia due to its efficacy, in cases of contraindication, systemic remifentanil is an alternative. Since the first demonstration of the safety of remifentanil in obstetric analgesia in 1996, this has been repeatedly confirmed for both mother and newborn. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate recently published studies (up to December 2014) on the analgesic efficacy of remifentanil during labour (as a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) decrease in the first hour by 2 or more). METHODS: Search of the US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health (www.pubmed.gov), SCOPUS database (www.scopus.com) and Web of Science database (www.webofknowledge.com) using the key words "labour" and "remifentanil". 44 identified articles were included in the review and 15 published randomised controlled studies were incorporated into the meta-analysis. This was based on the fixed model and described by differences in the VAS between t=0 and t=1 hour after remifentanil administration using the 95% confidence interval (CI). The analysis was computed using the Comprehensive meta-analysis version 2.2.064. RESULTS: The combined data from the meta-analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in VAS in the remifentanil group. From a comparison of the CIs of summary estimates with a cut-off decrease of VAS 2, for the fixed model, there was a statistically significantly greater decrease in VAS than the cut-off. In the systematic review, we describe possible modes of application, dosage and side-effects for mother, fetus/ newborn. CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis presented here confirms that remifentanil for labour analgesia is effective but questions remain which can only be answered by further randomized trials.

Prolonging the duration of single-shot intrathecal labour analgesia with morphine: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Single-shot spinal with bupivacaine plus fentanyl or sufentanil is commonly used as analgesia during labour, but the short duration limits the clinical feasibility. Different drugs have been added to prolong the analgesic duration. The additional effect of intra-thecal morphine has been studied during labour pain as well as after surgery. We assessed whether adding morphine to intra-thecal bupivacaine+fentanyl or sufentanil prolongs pain relief during labour. METHODS: Meta-analysis of placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials of analgesia prolongation after single-shot intrathecal morphine ≤250µg during labour when given in combination with bupivacaine+fentanyl or sufentanil. After identifying 461 references, 24 eligible studies were evaluated after excluding duplicate publications, case reports, studies of analgesia after caesarean delivery, and epidural labour analgesia. Mean duration in minutes was the primary outcome measure and was included in the calculation of the standardized mean difference. Duration was defined as the time between a single shot spinal until patient request of rescue analgesia. All reported side effects were registered. Results of individual trials were combined using a random effect model. Cochrane tool was used to assess risk of bias. RESULTS: Five randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials (286 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. A dose of 50-250µg intrathecal morphine prolonged labour analgesia by a mean of 60.6min (range 3-155min). Adding morphine demonstrated a medium beneficial effect as we found a pooled effect of standardized mean difference=0.57 (95% CI: -0.10 to 1.24) with high heterogeneity (I2=88.1%). However, the beneficial effect was statistically non-significant (z=1.66, p=0.096). The lower-bias trials showed a small statistically non-significant beneficial effect with lower heterogeneity. In influential analysis, that excluded one study at a time from the meta-analysis, the effect size appears unstable and the results indicate no robustness of effect. Omitting the study with highest effects size reduces the pooled effect markedly and that study suffers from inadequate concealment of treatment allocation and blinding. Trial quality was generally low, and there were too few trials to explore sources of heterogeneity in meta-regression and stratified analyses. In general, performing meta-analyses on a small number of trials are possible and may be helpful if one is aware of the limitations. As few as one more placebo-controlled trial would increase the reliability greatly. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from this systematic review suggests a possible beneficial prolonging effect of adding morphine to spinal analgesia with bupivacaine+fentanyl or +sufentanil during labour. The study quality was low and heterogeneity high. No severe side effects were reported. More adequately-powered randomized trials with low bias are needed to determine the benefits and harms of adding morphine to spinal local anaesthetic analgesia during labour. IMPLICATIONS: Epidural analgesia is documented as the most effective method for providing pain relief during labour, but from a global perspective most women in labour have no access to epidural analgesia. Adding morphine to single shot spinal injection of low dose bupivacaine, fentanyl or sufentanil may be efficacious but needs to be investigated.